Matthew
Honolulu

Apr 22, 2021

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Hizen Review 4.21.21

This is my 3rd Rockstead. The Hizen is the smallest folder in the line, so it is perfect for office pocket carry. I have all the other similar sized legendary knives to choose from, but the Hizen will be in my pocket as a primary, with the Shu for the weekend. I’ll always have a Rockstead knife in my pocket, or the incredible Kei fixed blade on my person, even if I carry other knives. I realize this may be unorthodox, but a Rockstead is the holy grail of folding knives—period.

Brian
VA

Jul 21, 2021

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Love this knife

Without any blemishes or imperfections, the proficient craftsmanship of a blade was the bug in my pocket, My Rockstead HIZEN-ZDP. I discovered the model HIZEN was named after a Territory in Japan's island, which happened to share the same chain with a larger district called the HIGO. We now understand why the Rockstead HIGO-ZDP is much larger then the HIZEN, and share much similarity. That explained the wavy scale pattern is supposed to resemble the sandy shore, The mirror surface on the blade makes one think of water, along with the ocean, and flipping action smooth as if water is flowing through the palm of your hands.

Ben
NJ

Dec 15, 2015

Pros: Weight, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Wicked edge

Amazing mirror polished blade down to the edge. Edge decreases from 30deg to 24deg at the tip. Convex grind is purposeful and wicked sharp. Action is super smooth after initial short break in. The size is also ideal for EDC, roughly same size as a small Sebenza. Definitely a gateway knife at $710 into the world of Rockstead.

Joel
North Bay, Ontario

Jun 04, 2015

Pros: Weight, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Handle Material

Rockstead Hizen ZDP

Fantastic knife! I had owned a Rockstead Higo before and always felt it was a bit large. The Hizen, however, fits my hand just perfectly. Flawless function, with only perhaps the tiniest bit of lock stick. I am in love with this knife. So far, I have used it for a variety of light cutting chores around the house -- plastic bags, cardboard, tape, etc. -- and am very impressed with the edge-holding of the ZDP-189 blade. Best of all, this is a great-looking knife! My only con would be the Duralumin handle. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it, but I still can't help but feel that it would be better if it was a titanium alloy. That said, I would be very surprised if the Duralumin doesn't hold up to my usage. Thanks for making such a great knife, Rockstead!

Chris
, Washington state

Jun 30, 2022

Pros: Handle Material, Blade Material

Cons: None

Perfect blade

Of all the knives I collect and use .. rockstead is the ruler of blades. In my opinion nothing comes close. Most knives out of the box I have to sharpen to my standards immediately, which does make me kinda angry giving the price they charge for these knives. And I'm not blaming knife center for the prices. I have a HIGO II and just purchased a HIZEN which is everything I expected. Until you have one of these knives in your possession you probably won't understand.....and that's okay. For me.. I'm more than satisfied on this knife. I reside in Washington state and knife center had this delivered in two days. Kudos to knife center for being so proficient in what they do.

Nac
Texas

Feb 09, 2018

Pros: Ease of Opening, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Wow!

The Hizen is my new EDC. It’s literally like carrying a scalpel in your pocket. This knife demands respect though, so I’d advise not letting your friends open it without warning them. Stunning blade, the mirror finish has to be seen to appreciate. I’m very happy with my Hizen!

Formatio_Org
Long Island

Mar 18, 2023

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Sublime

The knife is a thing of beauty in it's mystical Japanese appearance, but in spite of that, it does not want to be left in the box. It wants to be used, over and over, and will clean up perfectly after every use so you can take it out just to admire it later on. The size is just right if you don't like your pocket knives over sized. The clip doesn't get much love from reviewers, but yet it works so much better than many others in my experience. It's not fancy, but it slides in and out of the pocket with ease. One caution; I dropped it once and the alluminum scale chipped, so be careful not to drop it.